Hey everyone,

My name is Nicole and I am creating this GoFundMe for my aunt. To say our family has been through a lot this last month would be an understatement. Our Aunt/sister/wife/cousin Denise was diagnosed with lung and heart disease and admitted to the hospital where she has been the last week. Denise is a 10+ years feral cat lover and caregiver. She has relentlessly fed, vetted, housed, and found placement for feral cats in the Waterbury.She is the fire that keeps us going and the most dedicated woman I know. Unfortunately, between her dedication to work and her feral cats, she (despite going to the doctors a million times and being misdiagnosed) has hit a chronically ill time in her life. She suffers from COPD and emphysema, which has long been overlooked. She was admitted this week to the hospital with 60% oxygen levels, extremely low BP, and severe dehydration (most likely the cause of the LASIK that she was given for fluid in her legs). She gained 16 lbs of fluid in her legs and belly, and that has caused several serious problems. She is exhausted and unfortunately, at the moment, out of sick time at work to cover expenses. She will eventually (God willing) need a heart and lung transplant. She's already beaten the odds of going non-stop for her cats and her job and still somehow managing to function with her levels way below what would be considered dangerous and should have been treated probably a year ago. She has a long journey ahead of her, and she needs our help. Denise will need a special machine at her home to be able to survive once she is out of the hospital. It is called an Air Avo2 machine, which provides oxygen therapy via the machine itself and oxygen tanks and a solution to keep the machine clean. We are doing everything we can to get the cost covered for her, but this is an extremely expensive piece of equipment. I cannot think of many other people who deserve the chance at life like she does. Denise is just 60 years old and, as I mentioned, has dedicated her life to helping everyone and every animal she could. She's a gift from God, and she needs our prayers and help. Her husband is having to take off time as well from work to be with her in the cardiac ICU. Progress is positive but slow. At this time, she needs help not only for the machine and tanks/solutions it needs but with monthly bills as well until she is able to get everything approved from her job/possibly disability and definitely in need of help to get her equipment for her home so when she is strong enough to return home to her cats and dog and family, she can live a relatively normal and safe life. She is an amazing woman who has gone beyond for people and animals her whole life and deserves her chance at life. She will also need her 1st floor turned into a bedroom and a closet possibly turned into a shower for her. At this time, I just ask you for prayers and any little bit you can donate. I know times are hard for everyone, but I believe in the power of prayer and the power of community. Many of you know her. Many of you love her. Anyone who needs proof or has questions can reach out to me (her niece), and if you need my number, feel free to ask via messenger from my profile.

For those of you who do know her, please contact one of the family members before visiting as she is very vulnerable at the moment and overwhelmed. She cannot have anyone even the slightest bit sick visiting.

It will be 6 months minimum before she is eligible for a transplant. She will be working on getting strong and getting well in the meantime. She can do it. She's strong but she needs our help spiritually and financially. I will continue to update here on her condition as time goes on.

Thank you all for reading my story and anything you can do to help. Please share so we can get her the help she needs.

Nicole

Treatment time and spa day the other day ( I was about to brush and fix up Denises hair, cut and lotion her feet and bring her spirits up a bit) she's still fighting more details to come. Thank you all

Hello everyone,

Denise is still fighting hard for every and any opportunity to beat these issues. She was transported in her first helicopter ride to Hartford hospital thanks to 1 dedicated DR who agreed to take her case and has more experience and resources. She's is exhausted and home sick but where she needs to be for the time being. Once we get new information on her status we will update. Please continue to pray and share this go fund me . Her husband is working part time right now so he can be there with her as often as possible. She will still need several things/machines/specialized equipment at home when God willing she gets there. Please share far an wide and above all please keep Denise and our family in your hearts and prayers. Thank you all. -Nicole